Karen Taylor Bass, July 7, 2010 BlackEnterprise.com article. [Article begins] Are you a novelist waiting to exhale? If so, it is time to make your passion a reality. Terry McMillan made it happen and so can you. Meet Faye Thompson, a government employee for more than 25 years whose recent novel is being compared to Terry McMillan’s Disappearing Acts.

9 Tips to Becoming the Next Terry McMillan

Yes, you can work full time and become a published author

Are you a novelist waiting to exhale? If so, it is time to make your passion a reality. Terry McMillanmade it happen and so can you.

MeetFaye Thompson, a government employee for more than 25 years whose recent novel is being compared to Terry McMillan’s Disappearing Acts. Thompson’s second novel, Cheesecake and Teardrops(Urban Trade Paper, $12.95), was written during her lunch hour, vacation, weekend, after hours — basically any time she wasn’t at her 9-to-5 job.

“I wanted to write and tell a story that I could not stop reading. If it’s your passion, find the time to do it,” says Thompson. “Get your hands on theLiterary Marketplace, a [compendium] of agents, publishers, and editors. This resource will show you how to submit materials/manuscripts the right way. Also, take a creative writing course offered at a local college. This will empower you to tap into your power,” advises Thompson.